endoscopy /endos″kəpē/ , the visualization of the interior of organs and cavities of the body with an endoscope. The GI structures that can be examined through this procedure include the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, colon, and pancreas and the biliary tract with the aid of x-ray film and fluoroscopy. Endoscopy can also be used to obtain samples for cytological and histological examination and to follow the course of a disease, such as the assessment of the healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers. See also abdominoscopy, bronchoscopy, cystoscopy, gastroscopy, laparoscopy.
